Rookie

Well, despite the fact that two of the three boys sounded like they were carrying an infectious disease from 1920, we loaded up the family truckster and headed to Dayton for Rileys 4th birthday party! We couldn't miss the Batman partaaay! Yep, we were THAT family. And oh boy does it get better...I'll get to that in my next post!!

Now cleary I'm a first time blogger because I show up to the party without my camera. Nice huh? So I decided to take pics with Kate's camera. Well with all of the chaos I just forgot. So after a bit decided, I'll just attach the link to her blog for anyone to check
out the pics. She is a pro so had lots of cute shots.
Jace and Sawyer have not stopped talking about the "best party Riley eber had." The cake, company, presents, and fun were all just little bits of heaven for my kiddos! We had a blast.

Peter Pan

This post is again a bit more serious. I wanted to always remember this moment Jason and I spent with Jace the other night as I believe he can truly be wise beyond his years...

I had already tucked Jace in bed, read him a story, and had just finished our nightly "chat" as we all typically do right before he drifts off to sleep. This was like most nights...we read his very favorite book, "Ten Little Animals," talked about what we are thankful for and then discussed the follwing day as Jace loves to have an idea of what to expect...typical first child! After all of this, I began to see tears welling up in his eyes.

Jason and I asked what was wrong and then Jace burst into full fledged tears.. As I was hugging him I asked what was wrong and why he was crying...From here I was write exactly what was said as it has resinated with me for over a week.

Mom- "What's wrong Jace?"
Jace- "I never eber want to be an adult!"
Dad-"Why Jace? Being an adult is fun!"
Jace- "No please no, I never eber want to grow up"
Mom- "Why wouldnt you want to grow up? There are so many neat things you will do as you grow."
Jace- "Because I don't want to be an adult and lose my mommy or daddy like Daddy lost Papa."

At that moment we all began to have tears stream down our face. I realized in his six year old little head Jace had put together that daddy was an adult and lost his daddy. Therefore, he never wants to grow up. I couldn't believe that our six year had such a mature thought process. As our family has been going through everything we failed to realize that our precious son has had to deal with such a tragic event at such a young, impressionable age. I truly thought I had done enough to explain as much as I could to Jace without explaining too much to scare him...I obviously underestimated our little guy.

We just want our six year old to be six!!!

Love

That is the only word I can use to describe this



and this



THIS!

Yes, this too!



Awe!!



I want to bottle up every little chubby roll, smile, coo, and baby giggle. It goes by way too fast.
                                                                We love our little "Deckies"!

Middle Child Moday

I used to dread Monday. It brings about alarm clocks, laundry, cleaning, and the start of a long stressful work week for Jason...meaning looonnngg days and nights for mommy. During my pregnancy and certainly after the birth of Declan I began to notice some behavioral changes in Sawyer that were, well...how should I say...not so favorable?! We had tantrums, tears, lots of clinging, and fighting with the big brother. I began to wonder...If I were a two year old, and my perfect world was totally turned upside down , what is it that I would want most.....Mommy!

Hence, we started "Middle Child Monday." On this day its all about Sawyer and mommy. I try to do all activities centered around what he likes. Then, during those bewitching hours...4-6pm, I have a sitter come and play with Declan and Jace while Sawyer and I have all one on one time. We usually go to Easton (his choice) to watch the trains and then play at the train table in Barnes and Noble. He gets a special cookie and chocolate milk. We play and read for a couple hours then head home.

I no longer dread Mondays...they are one of my very favorite days of the week!!

New Beginnings

Well six years, three kids later....I've decided to finally do it! I have been talking about creating a blog for years to help not only family members and friends keep up with the boys but by gosh..... me too!

2010 was not a year Jason and I would like to remember much of. We had some hardships that will forever change us but we have also had some surprises and blessings that we are so thankful for. We brought in 2011 reminiscing and looking forward to many great changes that lie ahead.

It goes without saying....there is a piece of our hearts missing forever as we said goodbye to one of the most amazing men, husband, father, and friend....Denny. There is no way he will ever be replaced nor will this piece of our hearts ever be mended; however, God knew we needed a ray of sunshine and hope and we were given such a gift, Declan.

He's been the most amazing baby, truly the breath of fresh air we needed to get through some of the difficult days. Although Declan had a rough start....he's proven everyone wrong and surpassed every hurdle thrown in front of him.... On that note....I'll start by telling your what he's up to....

Declan was born July 20, ironically on the birthday of another beautiful person we lost this past year, Dorothy. We will forever celebrate the birth of Dex and the life of Dorothy on that day! My littlest angel (as I call him) is now 16 lbs! Quite a change from 4.11 just five months ago. He's cooing, rolling, eating cereal, and is all smiles!

Sawyer, my punkins, yes you read that correctly....is my adventurous, curious, fearless, 2 year old. He is always making us laugh and is constantly the life of the party. He has the defiant side, which I claim to be independence, but will turn around and be the most loving affectionate little guy.

And Jace, my stinky man, is our pleaser. Never one to hurt feelings, always helping mommy, loving, smart, and an all around gorgeous soul.

We love these guys to the end of earth and back. From here on out you will see why